Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device to facilitate care of a subject is provided. The wearable therapeutic device can include a garment having a sensing electrode. The garment includes at least one of an inductive element and a capacitive element, and a controller identifies an inductance of the inductive element or a capacitance of the capacitive element, and determines a confidence level of information received from the sensing electrode based on the inductance or the capacitance. The wearable therapeutic device also includes an alarm module coupled with the controller and configured to provide a notification to a subject based on the confidence level.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external defibrillators that include an electrode connection port having multiple connection options, and include a detection device to determine an electrode connection configuration so as to provide an appropriate electrical shock to a patient. The detection device detects the electrode connection configuration of a plug connector for connected electrodes to determine if the plug connector is in an adult orientation or a pediatric orientation. The external defibrillator is configured to a deliver an electrical shock with less energy when the pediatric orientation is detected rather than the adult orientation.

Abstract: A system for providing stimulation current in implantable medical devices is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus including a power supply terminal adapted to be connected to a power supply. The apparatus embodiment also includes circuitry connected to the power supply terminal and adapted to detect a parameter dependent on tissue/electrode impedance. The apparatus embodiment further includes a current output pulse generator adapted to deliver electrical therapy. The current generator includes an adjustable compliance voltage source connected to the power supply terminal. The compliance voltage source has a programmable amplitude and is adapted to provide different potentials for different tissue/electrode interface impedances. According to various embodiments, the apparatus embodiment also includes at least one stimulating electrode, and the current generator is adapted to deliver electrical therapy using the electrode. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A defibrillator includes a defibrillator mainframe and a defibrillating electrode. The defibrillator mainframe includes a main control unit and a master device electrically connected to the main control unit. The defibrillating electrode comprises a slave device supporting a bus protocol, the master device and slave device being interconnected through a bus.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including accessing, with a communication device, a computer in which is stored a healthcare record, or a medical record, of, for, or regarding, an individual or a patient, accessing, with the communication device, the healthcare record or the medical record of, for, or regarding, the individual or the patient, accessing or linking to a pacemaker, a pacemaker monitor, a defibrillator, or a defibrillator monitor, of or associated with the individual or the patient, with or using the communication device, and performing, via, with, or using, the communication device, a control, a monitoring, a diagnostic, a programming, a re-programming, a repair, a calibration, a setting, or a re-setting, action, operation, or function, on, regarding, or relating to, the pacemaker, the pacemaker monitor, the defibrillator, or the defibrillator monitor.

Abstract: A notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Kits and methods for converting, adapting or retrofitting a common notebook, laptop computer and tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A kit including an adjustable case for receiving, encompassing, adapting and converting a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to enable each to be used as an AED. A kit including a slave automated external defibrillator (AED) that is joined to a common notebook, laptop computer or tablet computer to adapt, convert and enable each to be used as an AED.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (100) is configured for generating a cardiogenic impedance signal representative of the cardiogenic impedance of at least a portion of a heart (10) of a subject (20) during at least a portion of cardiac cycle. A moment processor (132) calculates a moment parameter value based on the cardiogenic impedance signal. The moment parameter is representative of a weighted sum of impedance amplitudes within a time window centered at defined time instance within the cardiac cycle. The weights of the impedance amplitudes are further dependent on the length in time between the defined time instance and the point of time of the associated impedance amplitude. The moment parameter is of high diagnostic value and is employed by an arrhythmia classifier (132) in order to classify a detected arrhythmia of the heart (10), such as discriminate between hemodynamically stable or unstable arrhythmias and/or supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator includes a communication interface operable to receive a communication signal from an external programmer. The communication signal includes a command to switch the ICD from a first mode to a second mode. A processor is in electrical communication with the communication interface and configured to switch the ICD between the first and second modes. A battery is configured to supply low DC voltage. A converter is configured to convert the low DC voltage to a high DC voltage. An energy storage capacitor is electrically coupled to the converter and configured to store a therapeutic energy or high DC voltage including at least 15 joules. The second mode includes activating the converter to convert the low DC voltage to the high DC voltage and storing the therapeutic energy or at least 15 joules within the energy storage capacitor during a period of time of the second mode.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgical procedure for monitoring a physiological parameter within an internal organ of a living body. The procedure entails making a first incision in the body to enable access to the organ. An endoscopic instrument is then inserted through the first incision and a second incision is made therewith through an external wall of the organ and into the internal cavity thereof. A sensing unit is placed in the second incision such that the second incision is occluded by the unit and a proximal end of the unit is outside the organ. The unit includes a sensing device having a sensing element adapted to sense the physiological parameter within the organ, and an anchor to which the sensing device is secured. The first incision is closed, after which a readout device outside the body telemetrically communicates with the sensing device to obtain a reading of the physiological parameter.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (100) is configured for generating a cardiogenic impedance signal representative of the cardiogenic impedance of at least a portion of a heart (10) of a subject (20) during multiple cardiac cycles. A transform processor (132) generates a spectrum signal by applying a time-to-frequency transform to the cardiogenic impedance signal. The spectrum signal is processed by a distribution processor (133) configured to calculate a distribution parameter indicative of a distribution in at least a portion of the spectrum signal. The calculated distribution parameter is of high diagnostic value and is employed by an arrhythmia classifier (134) in order to classify a detected arrhythmia of the heart (10), such as discriminate between hemodynamically stable or unstable arrhythmias and/or supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT). A combined-use capacitor bank of at least one capacitor stores energy to be administered as defibrillation therapy and MVT. Combined-use discharge circuitry electrically is coupled between the combined-use capacitor bank and patient terminals for selectively administering energy from the capacitor bank according to a plurality of controllable waveforms as either defibrillation therapy or MVT. A controller is configured to cause the discharge circuitry to apply the MVT from the capacitor bank while the capacitor bank undergoes charging in preparation for administration of the defibrillation therapy.

Abstract: Detected changes in atrial activation can be used to discriminate between hemodynamically stable and hemodynamically unstable tachyarrhythmias.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has a programmable ICD energy level corresponding to the maximum defibrillation energy deliverable with each defibrillation shock pulse. The ICD energy level is programmable within the maximum energy capacity of the defibrillation capacitor(s) of the ICD. In various embodiments, after a user enters the ICD energy level, one or more corresponding ICD performance parameters are presented. Restrictions are applied to the energy level programming of the ICD to ensure the predictability of the one or more ICD performance parameters.

Abstract: An external defibrillator having a battery; a capacitor electrically communicable with the battery; at least two electrodes electrically communicable with the capacitor and with the skin of a patient; a controller configured to charge the capacitor from the battery and to discharge the capacitor through the electrodes; and a support supporting the battery, capacitor, electrodes and controller in a deployment configuration, the defibrillator having a maximum weight per unit area in the deployment configuration of 0.1 lb/in2 and/or a maximum thickness of 1 inch. The support may be a waterproof housing.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillation arrangement comprising a defibrillation device having a sensing component and a defibrillation component, and an electrode lead comprising a lead body, a plug, a sensing electrode for sensing cardiac action potentials with a first electrode supply lead, and a defibrillation electrode for transmitting shock pulses to cardiac tissue with a second electrode supply lead, wherein a switching unit is provided to switch the sensing electrode to the potential of the defibrillation electrode in response to the output of a defibrillation shock by the defibrillation component.

Abstract: There is provided an energy delivery device comprising a storage device, a discharge circuit and a disarm circuit. The discharge circuit comprises a switch electrically connected to the storage device, and is selectively operable to deliver energy from the storage device to a load, e.g., a patient needing defibrillation, preferably in a multiphasic waveform. The disarm circuit comprises the switch. Preferably, the discharge circuit comprises an H-bridge circuit. There are also provided delivery devices: which comprise a shoot-through elimination circuit; which include housing elements which, when assembled, cause electrical connection between respective components; which include a housing having a small volume and an energy storage device having a large capacitance; which comprise a shunt circuit which, when activated, prevents switching of a switch. There are also provided methods of assembly and disassembly of an energy delivery unit and methods of delivering energy to a load.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed that includes one or more treatment electrodes, one or more sensors, and one or more controllers connected to the one or more treatment electrodes and one or more sensors. The medical device also includes one or more response mechanisms connected to the one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are configured to receive input from the one or more response mechanism and are also configured to determine whether a patient wearing the medical device actuated the one or more response mechanisms based, at least in part, on the input received from the one or more response mechanisms. In some disclosed embodiments, the medical device is a wearable defibrillator.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a cardiac arrhythmia utilizes destructive interference of the passing of the reentry wave tip of an anatomical reentry through a depolarized region created by a relatively low voltage electric field in such a way as to effectively unpin the anatomical reentry. Preferably, the relatively low voltage electric field is defined by at least one unpinning shock(s) that are lower than an expected lower limit of vulnerability as established, for example, by a defibrillation threshold test. By understanding the physics of the electric field distribution between cardiac cells, the method permits the delivery of an electric field sufficient to unpin the core of the anatomical reentry, whether the precise or estimated location of the reentry is known or unknown and without the risk of inducting ventricular fibrillation. A number of embodiments for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing heart rhythm disturbances by recording cardiac electrical activity, measuring beat-to-beat variability in the morphology of electrocardiographic waveforms, and using the measured beat-to-beat variability to control the delivery of electrical impulses to the heart during the absolute refractory period.

Abstract: A combination cardiac stimulator for CRT stimulation and CCM stimulation, which is connected to a rhythm evaluation unit which can either detect a sinus rhythm that is present, or classify an atrial arrhythmia, and which comprises an additional therapy selection unit, wherein the therapy selection unit selects the delivery of either CRT therapy or CCM therapy on the basis of the classification of the atrial rhythm such that CRT therapy is preferred in the case of sinus rhythm, and CCM therapy is delivered in the case of atrial arrhythmia.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator having at least one stimulation unit which is connected or connectable to one or more stimulation electrodes, and is configured to deliver at least sub-threshold stimulation pulses for cardiac contraction modulation therapy, an impedance detection unit which is connectable to one or more electrodes, and is configured to detect a voltage or current intensity that occurs as the result of a particular sub-threshold stimulation pulse, and to determine a particular impedance value, an impedance evaluation unit, configured to determine at least one value based on ventricular volume, and/or a value based on minute ventilation, and a control unit connected to the stimulation unit and the cardiac rhythm detection unit, and is configured to control a delivery of a stimulation pulse via the stimulation unit such that the cardiac stimulator can deliver sub-threshold stimulation pulses for cardiac contraction modulation therapy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. New methods for organizing the use of morphology and rate analysis in an overall architecture for rhythm classification and cardiac signal analysis are also discussed.

Abstract: A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices.

Abstract: Adaptive methods for initiating charging of the high power capacitors of an implantable medical device for therapy delivery after the patient experiences a non-sustained arrhythmia, and devices that perform such methods. The adaptive methods and devices adjust persistence criteria used to analyze an arrhythmia prior to initiating a charging sequence to deliver therapy. Some embodiments apply a specific sequence of X-out-of-Y criteria, persistence criteria, and last event criteria before starting charging for therapy delivery.

Abstract: Adaptive methods for initiating charging of the high power capacitors of an implantable medical device for therapy delivery after the patient experiences a non-sustained arrhythmia, and devices that perform such methods. The adaptive methods and devices adjust persistence criteria used to analyze an arrhythmia prior to initiating a charging sequence to deliver therapy. Some embodiments apply a specific sequence of X-out-of-Y criteria, persistence criteria, and last event criteria before starting charging for therapy delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing heart rhythm disturbances by optimally recording cardiac electrical activity, optimally measuring beat-to-beat variability in the morphology of electrocardiographic waveforms, and using the measured beat-to-beat variability to control the delivery of therapy to the heart.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.

Abstract: In one aspect a system includes an external communication device configured to interrogate a pulse generator, an external programmer device communicatively coupled to the external communication device; the external programmer device configured to receive a listing of valid electrode pairs from the pulse generator through the external communication device, the external programmer device configured to prevent a pacing, sensing, or shocking vector from being programmed by the user if a pair of electrodes needed for the vector are not included within the listing of valid electrode pairs. In another aspect a system includes an implantable medical device configured to detect the presence or absence of electrodes on an implanted stimulation lead coupled to the implantable medical device and to generate a valid electrode pair listing and compare the programmed electrode pairs with the valid electrode pair listing. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a heart valve and an implantable medical device, such as for event detection and optimization of cardiac output. The cardiac management system includes a heart valve, having a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor is adapted to measure at least one of an intrinsic electrical cardiac parameter, a hemodynamic parameter or the like. The system further includes an implantable electronics unit, such as a cardiac rhythm management unit, coupled to the physiological sensor of the heart valve to receive physiological information. The electronics unit is adapted to use the received physiological information to control delivery of an electrical output to the subject.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) including an input interface that operates to receive an external input and a stimulation mode controller coupled to the input interface. The stimulation mode controller operates to temporarily interrupt a normal stimulation mode of the IMD in response to the external input. The IMD also includes an alternative stimulation selection module coupled to the stimulation mode controller, the alternative stimulation selection module operating to determine whether to implement an alternative mode of electrical signal therapy based on the external input and a threshold. The alternative mode differs in at least one stimulation parameter from the normal stimulation mode. The stimulation mode controller further operates to implement the alternative mode of the electrical signal therapy based on the determination of the alternative stimulation selection module.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for providing a patient-individualized efficacy rating. Different stimulation parameters impact efficacy. For example, efficacy may be a function of parameters such as electrode combination, stimulation amplitude, pulse width, and pulse rate. Efficacy may vary from patient-to-patient. For example, efficacy may vary according to age, gender, physiology, disease state, activity level, or activity profile. Comparable stimulation programs may provide different efficacy levels for different patients, according to patient characteristics or desires. Patients may rank efficacy parameters differently. The efficacy parameters may include desirable therapeutic effects and undesirable side effects. For one patient, optimization of a particular efficacy parameter may be the paramount concern. Other patients may be willing to compromise the outcome of the same parameter in favor of better outcomes with other efficacy parameters.

Abstract: According to embodiments, systems, devices, and methods for ridge selection in scalograms are disclosed. Ridges or ridge components are features within a scalogram which may be computed from a signal such as a physiological (e.g., photoplethysmographic) signal. Ridges may be identified from one or more scalograms of the signal. Parameters characterizing these ridges may be determined. Based at least in part on these parameters, a ridge density distribution function is determined. A ridge is selected from analyzing this ridge density distribution function. In some embodiments, the selected ridge is used to determine a physiological parameter such as respiration rate.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a cardiac resuscitation system with first and second electrodes in a source electrode pad and a return electrode in a return electrode pad. After the source and return electrode pads are applied to a patient the layperson may put a switch in a first position to create a first electrical path to communicate a first shock between the first and return electrodes via a first vector. If the first shock fails the user may move the switch to a second position to create a second electrical path to communicate a second shock between the second and return electrodes via a second vector. As a result, the system allows a layperson to easily flip a switch to produce a first shock via a first vector and a second shock via a second vector thereby improving therapy outcomes. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a microcurrent delivery device portion and at least one independent sensory cue delivery means. The independent sensory cue delivery means can provide an independent sensory cue selected from the group consisting of vibration, heat, cool, skin irritation, tingling, fragrance or auditory.

Abstract: The disclosure includes methods and systems for treating ventricular arrhythmias. Embodiments include an implantable cardiac device or system including a determining module that determines a value of a parameter indicative of a rate of an intrinsic pacemaker of a heart of a patient experiencing fast ventricular arrhythmia (FVA) and a delivery module, programmed to deliver therapy for ventricular arrhythmias to a patient. Some methods include determining a value of a parameter indicative of a rate of an intrinsic pacemaker of a heart of a patient experiencing an FVA; if the value indicates the rate is about equal to or higher than a threshold, delivering a first therapy to the patient for terminating the FVA, and if the value indicates the rate is lower than the threshold, delivering a second therapy, different from the first therapy, to the patient for terminating the FVA.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting heart failure or other medical conditions within a patient using an implantable medical device, such as pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, or external system. In one example, physiological signals, such as immittance-based signals, are sensed within the patient along a plurality of different vectors, and the amount of independent informational content among the physiological signals of the different vectors is determined. Heart failure is then detected by the implantable device based on a significant increase in the amount of independent informational content among the physiological signals. In response, therapy may be controlled, diagnostic information stored, and/or warning signals generated. In other examples, at least some of these functions are performed by an external system.

Abstract: An implanted electrical signal generator delivers a novel exogenous electrical signal to a vagus nerve of a patient. The vagus nerve conducts action potentials originating in the heart and lungs to various structures of the brain, thereby eliciting a vagal evoked potential in those structures. The exogenous electrical signal simulates and/or augments the endogenous afferent activity originating from the heart and/or lungs of the patient, thereby enhancing the vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain. The exogenous electrical signal includes a series of electrical pulses organized or patterned into a series of microbursts including 2 to 20 pulses each. No pulses are sent between the microbursts. Each of the microbursts may be synchronized with the QRS wave portion of an ECG. The enhanced vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain may be used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy and depression.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator including: a sensor for detecting when a rescuer is delivering a CPR chest compression to the patient; electrodes for application to the thorax of the patient for delivering a defibrillation shock to the patient and for detecting an ECG signal; defibrillation circuitry for delivering a defibrillation shock to the electrodes; and a processor and associated memory for executing software that controls operation of the defibrillator. The software provides: ECG analysis for analyzing the ECG signal to determine if the cardiac rhythm is shockable; CPR detection for analyzing the output of the sensor to determine when a CPR chest compression has been delivered, and integration of the ECG analysis and CPR detection so that the determination of whether the cardiac rhythm is shockable is based only on time periods of the ECG signal during which there has not been a CPR chest compression delivered.

Abstract: A method for managing a data transfer system includes recovering energy at peripheral devices, and wireless transfer recovered energy to a base by synchronizing RF signals transmitted by double-loop antennas. Synchronizing includes implementing a listening phase to detect a radio-frequency signal transmitted by said central base, and either sending an RF signal that is synchronous with the detected signal or transmitting a signal at a predetermined frequency depending on whether an RF signal is detected at the base. The method includes, in response to receiving a signal from the peripheral device at that frequency, causing the base to recover the received signal and to re-transmit at the predetermined frequency to the peripheral devices. This signal synchronization enables simultaneous energy transfer from peripheral devices to the central base while avoiding mutually destructive effects between said signals.

Abstract: A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the therapy, wherein the sensor is other than an electrode in an electrical contact with the body; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored; a processor configured to determine which of the different prompts should be selected for delivery based on the progress detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A defibrillator includes a defibrillator mainframe and a defibrillating electrode. The defibrillator mainframe includes a main control unit and a master device electrically connected to the main control unit. The defibrillating electrode comprises a slave device supporting a bus protocol, the master device and slave device being interconnected through a bus.

Abstract: A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%.

Abstract: A non-implantable communication unit (100) conducts wireless communication with an implantable medical device, IMD, (200). The communication unit (100) comprises a request processor (120) for generating power down requests destined to the IMD (200) and triggering temporary power down of the IMD radio equipment (220). When the communication unit (100) receives a data packet from the IMD (200) or a connected programmer (300) it determines the size of the data packet. A timer processor (140) sets a timer (152, 154) to a value defined based on the determined size. A processor controller (160) selectively controls the operation of request processor (120) to generate or stop generating the power down requests based on a current value of the timer (152, 154). Power down of the IMD radio equipment (220) is thereby prevented if it is likely that the IMD (200) comprises data to transmit to the communication unit (100) as predicted based on data packet sizes.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device which employs pacing therapy to regularize the ventricular rhythm. Such ventricular rate regularization may be employed within bradycardia pacemakers, ventricular resynchronization devices, or implantable cardioverter/defibrillators.

Abstract: An implantable electrostimulation device having at least three input channels, (each forming a sensing channel), which are each connected to at least one electrode or to one terminal for an electrode, using which at least three different electrical potentials accompanying an excitation of cardiac tissue (myocardium) in a heart may be detected. Uses a signal processing unit which is connected to the input channels and is implemented to analyze the time curve of the potentials detected via the three sensing channels as three input signals in chronological relation to a periodically repeating trigger signal, which triggers a time window, and which is also implemented to detect predefined signal features for each of the three input signals within the time window triggered by the trigger signal, store them, and compare them to corresponding signal features of preceding time windows or of another input channel within the same time window.

Abstract: The disclosure describes circuits for providing therapy in an implantable medical device. The illustrative circuits include features that provide fault tolerance with graceful degradation as well as switching control methods that reduce component count and improves reliability.

Abstract: A novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.